Nurturing Cultural Awareness in Children

Waiting with bated breath for the next few months.

Starting August, it’s the beginning of the festival season. All the major festivals will be celebrated with renewed zest and fervour.

It’s a celebration of diversity in every way — cultures, languages, beliefs, traditions, attires and even food.

It’s like looking through a kaleidoscope. The multitude of colours and patterns are as vibrant and unique as each aspect of the cultures in the society.

It’s essential to expose the children to this dynamic diversity in cultures that exists not just here but all across the globe. That’s the only way they’ll learn to enjoy diversity and become a part of it instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

Broadening Horizons

Children see the differences that coexist in the society. The cultural uniqueness of each region, state and community bring something new to their understanding and appreciation of that particular group of people.

It expands their knowledge and worldview.

Look at the way Navratri is celebrated across India.

In the southern states, the celebrations include events where beautifully decorated dolls and figurines are arranged and elaborate kolams are drawn outside the houses.

The Durga puja celebrations in West Bengal are legendary for their community celebrations. The pandals are decorated with unique themes that capture the enthusiasm and energy of that festival.

Gujarat is famous for its Dandiya Ras during the Navratri. Watching those dancers in their resplendent dresses, dancing away with electrifying agility can leave you breathless.

In short, doesn’t matter which part of the country you belong to, you’ll surely get to experience an equally exciting way of celebrating the same festival.

And it goes without saying that food plays a big, big part in all celebrations. Each region or state has its own delectable dishes to try from.

Growing up with an open mind

1.Develops empathy and compassion.

The more the children are exposed to the different cultures, the more they’ll become empathetic and compassionate. They will develop better understanding of the diversity.

2.Overcoming prejudices and stereotypes.

This exposure will also help in dealing with the prejudices and stereotypes which originate from ignorance and not being exposed to that idea or culture.

It creates more awareness about them, enabling the children to question these prejudices and stereotypes. This is important for overcoming biases and having an open mind.

3.Improving their social skills.

By engaging in cross cultural interactions, children will improve their social skills. They will know how to navigate in different social situations.

This will greatly assist them to create a positive image of themselves by not offending others, being sensitive and accommodating to the various cultural norms.

In a nutshell

It’s a reality you cannot deny. The society today reflects a diversity which has been a significant part of our heritage. Ignoring it will only create more ambiguity in the minds of the children.

The feeling that they will lose their identity when they’re open to others is detrimental to their personal growth. It will further the insecurities in their impressionable minds. That’s not how to raise the future citizens.

By giving children the opportunity to savour different cultures, you’ll provide them a chance to grow into a more culturally-conscious and aware person who respects other cultures, is confident about their own identity and acknowledges the differences.

This looks like the first step to creating a more peaceful and compassionate society.

Hey, I’m Gomati Sekhar Ghosh, a writer, blogger and lots more.

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